What happens if Donald Trump steps down and would Mike Pence become the Republican nominee?

Senior Republican Party figures have been meeting to discuss what to do if Donald Trump steps down as their presidential nominee.

After video footage emerged showing the billionaire making obscene and vulgar comments about women, the party was sent into panic mode.

At this stage of a presidential election it would be unprecedented for a major party nominee to withdraw, but there were suggestions Mr Trump could be forced out of the race in what many perceived to be a potential tipping point.

According to Rule 9 of the Republican National Committee rulebook, if the nominee withdraws for "reasons of death, declination, or otherwise" then the committee can replace him. The word "otherwise" is not defined.

If a withdrawal had occurred earlier in the race, the committee would have had to reconvene all 2,472 delegates who voted at the national party convention in July.

However, since it is now too late to do so, the 168 members of the committee itself would vote for the replacement.

Mike Pence, Mr Trump's running mate, would likely become the favourite to take over, but would not be an automatic choice.

Other possibilities would include Paul Ryan, the House Speaker and most senior elected Republican, and Ted Cruz, who finished runner-up to Mr Trump in the primary election.

The process would take up to a couple of weeks.

As the grandfather of two precious girls, I find that no apology can excuse away Donald Trump's reprehensible comments degrading women.